How to Wash Curtains in a Washing Machine Safely?

You can wash certain curtains in a washing machine, but only when the fabric and construction allow it. Light to medium-weight materials like cotton, polyester, linen blends, and durable sheers generally tolerate gentle machine cycles without damage. Machine washing is safe as long as the curtain does not have delicate embellishments, fragile embroidery, or sensitive coatings. This guide explains exactly when machine washing is safe, which fabrics can be washed this way, how to prepare your curtains correctly, and what washing machine settings give the safest results.

Which Types of Curtains Are Safe for Machine Washing?

Cotton curtains are generally the safest fabrics to machine wash because cotton can withstand water exposure, mild detergents, and gentle agitation without losing shape. Polyester curtains are even more resilient - they resist shrinking, maintain colour brightness, and tolerate frequent washing, making them ideal for everyday use. Linen-blend curtains also fall into the machine-washable category, provided the weave is not too loose or prone to fraying. Lightweight sheers made from soft polyester voile or fine cotton can be washed safely when placed in a protective mesh bag to prevent snagging.

Certain fabrics, however, should never go into the washing machine. Velvet absorbs heavy moisture and loses its pile, while blackout-coated drapes risk peeling or cracking during agitation. Pure linen with open weaves stretches easily, and silk curtains can weaken or water-spot permanently. Heavy lined or interlined curtains become extremely heavy when wet, leading to torn seams or fabric distortion. For these delicate categories, hand washing or professional cleaning is the safer choice.

How to Prepare Curtains Before Putting Them in the Washing Machine?

1. Check the Care Label Thoroughly Before anything else, read the care label to confirm whether the curtains can be machine washed and what temperature limits apply. This prevents accidental damage to fabrics that require hand washing or dry cleaning only.

2. Remove All Hooks, Rings & Hardware Detach metal hooks, curtain rings, clips, and any removable hardware. Leaving them on can tear the fabric, scratch the machine drum, or cause a loud impact during rotation.

3. Shake Off Dust Outdoors Take the curtains outside and shake them gently to release loose dust, pet hair, or pollen. This keeps the wash water clean and prevents dirt from clumping into muddy patches during the wash cycle.

4. Secure Velcro Tabs or Closures If the curtains have Velcro, fasten the tabs tightly so they don’t snag delicate fibres or attract lint while tumbling in the drum.

5. Inspect Metal Eyelets Before Washing For eyelet curtains, ensure the metal rings move freely and check for any sharp edges. Smoothing or adjusting them beforehand helps prevent accidental tearing during the wash.

How to Wash Curtains in a Washing Machine: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Place the Curtains Loosely Inside the Drum Always arrange the curtains in the washing machine without compressing or folding them tightly. Tight packing prevents proper agitation and leads to uneven cleaning. Leaving enough space also helps water circulate freely, ensuring detergent reaches all areas of the fabric.

2. Add a Mild Liquid Detergent Use a gentle liquid detergent that dissolves quickly and leaves no residue on lightweight fabrics. Avoid powder detergents, as they can cling to fibres, especially on sheers and cotton blends. A small amount is usually enough for a single curtain load.

3. Select a Gentle or Delicate Wash Cycle Choose the gentlest available cycle to protect hems, stitching, and fabric weave. This reduces friction inside the drum and prevents damage to lighter materials. Gentle cycles also minimise wrinkling and preserve the drape of the curtain.

4. Allow a Full Wash + Rinse Cycle Let the machine run from start to finish without pausing mid-wash. Interrupting the cycle can cause uneven water absorption, deep creases, or detergent patches on the fabric. A complete wash ensures dirt, dust, and soap are thoroughly removed.

5. Remove the Curtains Immediately After Washing Once the cycle ends, take the curtains out right away to prevent wrinkles from setting in. Leaving them inside the drum even for a few minutes can cause deep creasing that is harder to remove later. Immediate removal also keeps fabrics smelling fresh and clean.

Best Washing Machine Settings for Curtains

Choosing the right washing machine settings protects your curtains from shrinking, stretching, or losing colour. Always use cold or lukewarm water, as high temperatures weaken fibres and fade dyes. A gentle or delicate cycle is ideal because it reduces agitation and prevents stress on hems and seams. Keep the spin speed low to medium; strong spinning can cause distortion in lightweight or loosely woven fabrics. Ensure the load remains small so curtains can move freely without bunching. Following these settings helps keep the fabric clean while maintaining its original structure.

How to Wash Blackout Curtains Safely?

Blackout curtains need careful handling because the light-blocking coating on the back is highly sensitive to friction, heat, and prolonged soaking. Machine washing should only be attempted if the care label clearly states it is safe, and even then, only on a cold, gentle cycle with very low spin to minimise stress on the coating. Most blackout linings tend to crack, peel, or bubble when exposed to heavy agitation, so avoiding machine wash is generally the safer option. Routine maintenance can be done with soft vacuuming, light dusting, or targeted spot cleaning using mild soap and a damp cloth. When a deeper clean is required, hand washing in cold water or taking the curtains to a professional cleaner protects the integrity of the blackout layer and extends the curtain’s lifespan.

How to Wash Sheer Curtains Without Damage?

Sheer curtains especially mulmul cotton, voile, organza, and lightweight polyester - require the gentlest washing approach to preserve their drape and translucency. Always place them inside a mesh laundry bag to prevent tearing, snagging, and stretching during rotation. Use cold water to protect delicate fibres and select the softest wash cycle available, preferably one with minimal or no spin. Because sheers are extremely lightweight, they don’t need long wash durations; a short gentle cycle cleans them effectively without stressing the fabric. Avoid harsh detergents or bleaching agents, as these can weaken fibres and dull the fabric’s natural sheen. When handled with this level of care, sheer curtains emerge clean, crisp, and beautifully intact.

How to Dry Curtains After Machine Washing?

Always air dry freshly washed curtains to preserve their texture and length. Hang them immediately after the cycle ends to prevent deep wrinkles from setting in. Drip drying works especially well for sheers and lightweight cotton, as the natural weight of the wet fabric helps pull wrinkles out. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colours, and never use a tumble dryer, which can shrink or distort curtains. Curtains typically dry quickly when spaced out properly, leaving them fresh and wrinkle-free.

How to Prevent Curtains from Shrinking?

Shrinkage is mainly caused by hot water, high heat, or harsh mechanical action during washing and drying. To avoid this, always wash curtains in cold water and stick to gentle cycles. Keep spin speeds low so the fabric isn’t twisted or pulled excessively. Avoid dryers entirely, as heat causes most natural fibres to contract. If the fabric is prone to shrinking, consider pre-soaking in cold water before washing to relax fibres. Following these precautions ensures the curtains maintain their original size and shape.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Machine Washing Curtains

Avoid washing curtains in hot water, as heat damages fibres and leads to shrinkage. Never overload the machine, because crowded curtains cannot move freely and may tear or gather unevenly. Skip harsh detergents and bleaching agents - they weaken stitching and fade prints. Do not wash delicate fabrics like velvet, silk, or blackout-coated curtains in a machine, even on gentle cycles. Also avoid mixing curtains with heavy items such as towels or jeans, which can pull or snag lighter fabrics.

How Often Should You Wash Curtains?

Bedroom curtains typically need washing every 3–4 months because they absorb dust and moisture from daily use. Living room curtains can be washed every 4–6 months unless the space faces a main road or gets strong sunlight, which can increase dust. Kitchen curtains need more frequent cleaning, usually once every 1–2 months due to smoke, oil particles, and odours. Homes with pets, allergies, or open windows may require more frequent washing to keep fabrics fresh. Regular maintenance keeps curtains bright, hygienic, and long-lasting.